January 2014 – Dr. Chelsea Pelletier: “Making the most of your workout: Practical use of the physical activity guidelines for adults with SCI”

January 2014 – Dr. Chelsea Pelletier: “Making the most of your workout: Practical use of the physical activity guidelines for adults with SCI”

Dr. Chelsea Pelletier (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute) on “Making the most of your workout: Practical use of the physical activity guidelines for adults with SCI”.

These guidelines are appropriate for all healthy adults with chronic spinal cord injury, traumatic or non-traumatic, including tetraplegia and paraplegia, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity or socio-economic status. Adults are encouraged to participate in a variety of physical activities that are enjoyable and safe.

You should try to be active throughout the day, and in a variety of ways, in addition to your usual activities of daily living.

If you are newly injured, are pregnant, prone to autonomic dysreflexia, or have other medical conditions, you should talk to your health professional to find out what types and amount of physical activity are right for you. A health professional might include a doctor, a physiotherapist, or a qualified exercise professional.

As a safe progression towards meeting the guidelines it is appropriate to start with smaller amounts of physical activity and gradually increase how long, how often, and how hard you engage in physical activity.

PACE Faculty/Staff

Research

About PACE

The McMaster Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) is a state-of-the-art, exercise research and training centre. Our scientists, students and staff are devoted to studying and improving health and well-being among older adults and people with chronic disease or disability. PACE activities focus on excellence and leadership in research, education, community engagement, and knowledge translation.